2,5-Disubstituted-Pyridyl Nicotinic Ligands, and Methods of Use Thereof

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are heterocyclic compounds that are ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. The compounds are useful for treating a mammal suffering from any one of a range of therapeutic indications, including Alzheimer&#39;s disease, Parkinson&#39;s disease, dyskinesias, Tourette&#39;s syndrome, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, pain, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, chemical substance abuse, alcoholism, memory deficit, pseudodementia, Ganser&#39;s syndrome, migraine pain, bulimia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome or late luteal phase syndrome, tobacco abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, social phobia, chronic fatigue syndrome, premature ejaculation, erectile difficulty, anorexia nervosa, disorders of sleep, autism, mutism, trichotillomania, and hypothermia.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/558,757, filed Nov. 11, 2011; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/647,182, filed May 15, 2012.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT

This invention was made with government support under grant number DA027990 and DA025947 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The government has certain rights in the invention.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) serve a wide range of physiological functions and have been implicated in a number of pathological processes and pharmacological effects of nicotinic drugs. Many of the important in vivo effects of nicotine in the central nervous system (CNS) are mediated mainly by the desensitization of nAChRs, specifically α4β2 nAChRs, which are the major nAChR subtype in the CNS and the one most clearly affected (up-regulated) by chronic administration of nicotine in rats and mice and by smoking in humans.

Sazetidine-A (Saz-A) is a nAChR ligand that is a selective α4β2 nAChR desensitizer. U.S. Pat. No. 8,030,300 (incorporated by reference). Its major in vitro effect is to desensitize α4β2 nAChRs without affecting either α3β4 or α7 nAChRs. Sax-A shows strong in vivo effects in animal models, including analgesia, reduction in nicotine self-administration, reduction in alcohol intake, antidepressant-like activity, and reversal of attentional impairment.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to heterocyclic compounds that are ligands for nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. A second aspect of the invention relates to the use of such a compound for modulation of a mammalian nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. The present invention also relates to the use of such a compound for treating a mammal suffering from Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dyskinesias, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, pain, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, chemical substance abuse, alcoholism, memory deficit, pseudodementia, Ganser's syndrome, migraine pain, bulimia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome or late luteal phase syndrome, tobacco abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, social phobia, chronic fatigue syndrome, premature ejaculation, erectile difficulty, anorexia nervosa, disorders of sleep, autism, mutism or trichtillomania. The present invention also relates to the use of such a compound for treating a mammal suffering from hypothermia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows the conceptual design of nicotinic desensitizers with reduced agonist activity. FIG. 2 shows Scheme 1, which illustrates the synthesis of compounds 5-16.

FIG. 3 shows Scheme 2, which illustrates the synthesis of compounds 17-25.

FIG. 4 shows Scheme 3, which illustrates the synthesis of compounds 28-32.

FIG. 5 shows the effect of acute administration of compound (S)-15 (YL-1-127) on alcohol intake in P-rats. Alcohol intake (g/kg) was measured at 2, 4, 6 and 24 hr after an injection of (S)-15. All values are expressed as mean ±SEM (n=18).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a compound represented by the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, independently for each occurrence,

-   -   R₁ is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl or haloalkyl;     -   R₂ is H or halogen;     -   R₃ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl,         alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy,         cyano, nitro, amino, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl,         aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carboxy,         carboxyalkyl, —CH₂—NH—C(O)—R₆, —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)—O-alkyl or         —NH—C(O)-alkyl;     -   R₆ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl,         heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, N(R₇)(R₈);     -   R₇ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl;     -   R₈ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl; and     -   A is selected from the group consisting of

wherein,

-   -   m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5     -   n is 1, 2 or 3,     -   p and q are independently 1 or 2;     -   R₁₁ is H, alkyl or alkenyl;     -   R₁₂ is alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxy,         hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, —O—C(O)-alkyl, or —O-methanesulfonyl;     -   wherein, if present, each substituent is independently alkyl,         alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, amino, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl,         heteroaryl, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl,         halogen, or hydroxy; and         wherein the absolute stereochemistry at a stereogenic center may         be R or S or a mixture thereof; and the stereochemistry of a         double bond may be E or Z or a mixture thereof.

In certain embodiments, R₁ is alkyl. In other embodiments, R₁ is methyl.

In another embodiment, R₁ is hydroxyalkyl. In other embodiments, R₁ is hydroxymethyl.

In another embodiment, R₁ is haloalkyl. In other embodiments, R₁ is fluoromethyl.

In another embodiment, R₁ is alkoxyalkyl. In other embodiments, R₁ is methoxymethyl.

In certain embodiments, R₂ is H.

In another embodiment, R₂ is halogen. In other embodiments, R₂ is F or Cl.

In certain embodiments, R₃ is halogen. In other embodiments, R₃ is Br, Cl, or F.

In another embodiment, R₃ is —N(R₄)(R₅), wherein R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl or heteroaralkyl.

In another embodiment, R₃ is

wherein z is 1, 2, 3, or 4.

In yet another embodiment, R₃ is —C(O)—R₆, where R₆ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, N(R₇)(R₈), wherein R₇ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; and R₈ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl.

In certain other embodiments, R₃ is —OR₉, wherein R₉ is alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl or —CON(R₄)(R₅), wherein R₄ and R₅ are independently selected from hydrogen, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl.

In another embodiment, R₃ is substituted or unsubstituted benzyl, phenyl, naphthyl, or biphenyl.

In yet another embodiment, R₃ is substituted or unsubstituted alkyl.

In other embodiments, R₃ is substituted or unsubstituted alkenyl.

In another embodiment, R₃ is substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl.

In other embodiments, R₃ is

wherein R₁₀, is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxy, halogen, and substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl and heteroaralkyl; wherein each substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, amino, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryl, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen and hydroxy.

In certain other embodiments, R₃ is selected from the group consisting of

In certain embodiments, A is

In other embodiments, A is

In another embodiment, A is

In yet another embodiment, A is

In another embodiment, A is

In another embodiment, A is

In certain embodiments, R₁₁ is H; and m is 0.

In other embodiments, n is 1.

In certain other embodiments, n is 2.

In certain embodiments, R₁₁ is H; m is 0; and n is 1. In other embodiments, R₁₁ is H; m is 0; and n is 2.

In another embodiment, R₁ is alkyl; R₂ is H; R₃ is substituted or unsubstituted alkynyl; and A is

In yet another embodiment, R₁ is methyl; R₂ is H; R₃ is

wherein R₁₀ is selected from the group consisting of H, hydroxy, halogen, and substituted and unsubstituted alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl and heteroaralkyl; wherein each substituent is independently selected from the group consisting of alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, amino, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryl, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen and hydroxy; and A is

In certain embodiments, R₁ is methyl; R₂ is H; R₃ is selected from the group consisting of

and A is

In another embodiment, R₁₁ is H; m is 0; and n is 1. In yet another embodiment, R₁₁ is H; m is 0; and n is 2.

In one embodiment, the compound has an IC₅₀ less than 1 μM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In another embodiment, the compound has an IC₅₀ less than 100 nM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In yet another embodiment, the compound has an IC₅₀ less than 10 nM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In another embodiment, the compound has an IC₅₀ less than 1 nM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In one embodiment, the compound has an EC₅₀ less than 1 μM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In another embodiment, the compound has an EC₅₀ less than 100 nM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In yet another embodiment, the compound has an EC₅₀ less than 10 nM in an assay based on a mammalian nicotinic ACh receptor.

In certain embodiments, the compound is a single stereoisomer.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a pharmaceutical composition, comprising any one of the aforementioned compounds; and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated as an oral dosage form. In certain embodiments, the oral dosage form is a tablet, pill, or capsule.

Yet another aspect of the present invention relates to method of modulating a nicotinic ACh receptor, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of any one of the aforementioned compounds.

In certain embodiments, the mammal is a primate, equine, canine, or feline. In certain embodiments, the mammal is a human.

In certain embodiments, the compound is administered orally. In other embodiments, the compound is administered intravenously. In another embodiment, the compound is administered sublingually. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered ocularly. In another embodiment, the compound is administered transdermally. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered rectally. In another embodiment, the compound is administered vaginally. In another embodiment, the compound is administered topically. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered intramuscularly. In another embodiment, the compound is administered subcutaneously. In certain embodiments, the compound is administered buccally. In certain other embodiments, the compound is administered nasally.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dyskinesias, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, pain, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, chemical substance abuse, alcoholism, memory deficit, pseudodementia, Ganser's syndrome, migraine pain, bulimia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome or late luteal phase syndrome, tobacco abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, social phobia, chronic fatigue syndrome, premature ejaculation, erectile difficulty, anorexia nervosa, disorders of sleep, autism, mutism or trichotillomania, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of any one of the aforementioned compounds.

In certain embodiments, the mammal is a primate, equine, canine, or feline. In certain other embodiments, the mammal is a human.

In certain embodiments, the compound is administered orally. In other embodiments, the compound is administered intravenously. In another embodiment, the compound is administered sublingually. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered ocularly. In another embodiment, the compound is administered transdermally. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered rectally. In another embodiment, the compound is administered vaginally. In another embodiment, the compound is administered topically. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered intramuscularly. In another embodiment, the compound is administered subcutaneously. In certain embodiments, the compound is administered buccally. In certain other embodiments, the compound is administered nasally.

Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of treating hypothermia comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of any one of the aforementioned compounds.

In certain embodiments, the mammal is a primate, equine, canine, or feline. In certain other embodiments, the mammal is a human.

In certain embodiments, the compound is administered orally. In other embodiments, the compound is administered intravenously. In another embodiment, the compound is administered sublingually. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered ocularly. In another embodiment, the compound is administered transdermally. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered rectally. In another embodiment, the compound is administered vaginally. In another embodiment, the compound is administered topically. In yet another embodiment, the compound is administered intramuscularly. In another embodiment, the compound is administered subcutaneously. In certain embodiments, the compound is administered buccally. In certain other embodiments, the compound is administered nasally.

Definitions

For convenience, certain terms employed in the specification, examples, and appended claims are collected here.

The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.

The term “ED₅₀” means the dose of a drug which produces 50% of its maximum response or effect. Alternatively, the dose which produces a pre-determined response in 50% of test subjects or preparations.

The term “LD₅₀” means the dose of a drug which is lethal in 50% of test subjects.

The term “therapeutic index” refers to the therapeutic index of a drug defined as LD₅₀/ED₅₀.

The term “structure-activity relationship (SAR)” refers to the way in which altering the molecular structure of drugs alters their interaction with a receptor, enzyme, etc.

The term “agonist” refers to a compound that mimics the action of natural transmitter or, when the natural transmitter is not known, causes changes at the receptor complex in the absence of other receptor ligands.

The term “antagonist” refers to a compound that binds to a receptor site, but does not cause any physiological changes unless another receptor ligand is present.

The term “inverse agonist” refers to a compound that binds to a constitutively active receptor site and reduces its physiological function.

The term “competitive antagonist” refers to a compound that binds to a receptor site; its effects can be overcome by increased concentration of the agonist.

The term “partial agonist” refers to a compound that binds to a receptor site but does not produce the maximal effect regardless of its concentration.

The term “ligand” refers to a compound that binds at the receptor site.

The term “heteroatom” as used herein means an atom of any element other than carbon or hydrogen. Preferred heteroatoms are boron, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur and selenium.

The term “alkyl” refers to the radical of saturated aliphatic groups, including straight-chain alkyl groups, branched-chain alkyl groups, cycloalkyl (alicyclic) groups, alkyl substituted cycloalkyl groups, and cycloalkyl substituted, alkyl groups. In preferred embodiments, a straight chain or branched chain alkyl has 30 or fewer carbon atoms in its backbone (e.g., C₁-C₃₀ for straight chain, C₃-C₃₀ for branched chain), and more preferably 20 or fewer. Likewise, preferred cycloalkyls have from 3-10 carbon atoms in their ring structure, and more preferably have 5, 6 or 7 carbons in the ring structure.

Unless the number of carbons is otherwise specified, “lower alkyl” as used herein means an alkyl group, as defined above, but having from one to ten carbons, more preferably from one to six carbon atoms in its backbone structure. Likewise, “lower alkenyl” and “lower alkynyl” have similar chain lengths. Preferred alkyl groups are lower alkyls. In preferred embodiments, a substituent designated herein as alkyl is a lower alkyl.

The term “aralkyl”, as used herein, refers to an alkyl group substituted with an aryl group (e.g., an aromatic or heteroaromatic group).

The terms “alkenyl” and “alkynyl” refer to unsaturated aliphatic groups analogous in length and possible substitution to the alkyls described above, but that contain at least one double or triple bond respectively.

The term “aryl” as used herein includes 5-, 6- and 7-membered single-ring aromatic groups that may include from zero to four heteroatoms, for example, benzene, naphthalene, anthracene, pyrene, pyrrole, furan, thiophene, imidazole, oxazole, thiazole, triazole, pyrazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyridazine and pyrimidine, and the like. Those aryl groups having heteroatoms in the ring structure may also be referred to as “aryl heterocycles” or “heteroaromatics.” The aromatic ring can be substituted at one or more ring positions with such substituents as described above, for example, halogen, azide, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, alkoxyl, amino, nitro, sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphonate, phosphinate, carbonyl, carboxyl, silyl, ether, alkylthio, sulfonyl, sulfonamido, ketone, aldehyde, ester, heterocyclyl, aromatic or heteroaromatic moieties, —CF₃, —CN, or the like. The term “aryl” also includes polycyclic ring systems having two or more cyclic rings in which two or more carbons are common to two adjoining rings (the rings are “fused rings”) wherein at least one of the rings is aromatic, e.g., the other cyclic rings can be cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls and/or heterocyclyls.

The terms ortho, meta and para apply to 1,2-, 1,3- and 1,4-disubstituted benzenes, respectively. For example, the names 1,2-dimethylbenzene and ortho-dimethylbenzene are synonymous.

The terms “heterocyclyl” or “heterocyclic group” refer to 3- to 10-membered ring structures, more preferably 3- to 7-membered rings, whose ring structures include one to four heteroatoms. Heterocycles can also be polycycles. Heterocyclyl groups include, for example, azetidine, azepine, thiophene, thianthrene, furan, pyran, isobenzofuran, chromene, xanthene, phenoxathiin, pyrrole, imidazole, pyrazole, isothiazole, isoxazole, pyridine, pyrazine, pyrimidine, pyridazine, indolizine, isoindole, indole, indazole, purine, quinolizine, isoquinoline, quinoline, phthalazine, naphthyridine, quinoxaline, quinazoline, cinnoline, pteridine, carbazole, carboline, phenanthridine, acridine, pyrimidine, phenanthroline, phenazine, phenarsazine, phenothiazine, furazan, phenoxazine, pyrrolidine, oxolane, thiolane, oxazole, piperidine, piperazine, morpholine, lactones, lactams such as azetidinones and pyrrolidinones, sultams, sultones, and the like. The heterocyclic ring can be substituted at one or more positions with such substituents as described above, as for example, halogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, amino, nitro, sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphonate, phosphinate, carbonyl, carboxyl, silyl, ether, alkylthio, sulfonyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, a heterocyclyl, an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety, —CF₃, —CN, or the like.

The terms “polycyclyl” or “polycyclic group” refer to two or more rings (e.g., cycloalkyls, cycloalkenyls, cycloalkynyls, aryls and/or heterocyclyls) in which two or more carbons are common to two adjoining rings, e.g., the rings are “fused rings”. Rings that are joined through non-adjacent atoms are termed “bridged” rings. Each of the rings of the polycycle can be substituted with such substituents as described above, as for example, halogen, alkyl, aralkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, hydroxyl, amino, nitro, sulfhydryl, imino, amido, phosphonate, phosphinate, carbonyl, carboxyl, silyl, ether, alkylthio, sulfonyl, ketone, aldehyde, ester, a heterocyclyl, an aromatic or heteroaromatic moiety, —CF₃, —CN, or the like.

The term “carbocycle”, as used herein, refers to an aromatic or non-aromatic ring in which each atom of the ring is carbon.

As used herein, the term “nitro” means —NO₂; the term “halogen” designates —F, —Cl, —Br or —I; the term “sulfhydryl” means —SH; the term “hydroxyl” means —OH; and the term “sulfonyl” means —SO₂—.

The terms “amine” and “amino” are art-recognized and refer to both unsubstituted and substituted amines, e.g., a moiety that can be represented by the general formula:

wherein R₉, R₁₀ and R′₁₀ each independently represent a group permitted by the rules of valence.

The term “acylamino” is art-recognized and refers to a moiety that can be represented by the general formula:

wherein R₉ is as defined above, and R′₁₁ represents a hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkenyl or —(CH₂)_(m)—R₈, where m and R₈ are as defined above.

The term “amido” is art recognized as an amino-substituted carbonyl and includes a moiety that can be represented by the general formula:

wherein R₉, R₁₀ are as defined above. Preferred embodiments of the amide will not include imides which may be unstable.

The term “alkylthio” refers to an alkyl group, as defined above, having a sulfur radical attached thereto. In preferred embodiments, the “alkylthio” moiety is represented by one of —S-alkyl, —S-alkenyl, —S-alkynyl, and —S—(CH₂)_(m)-R₈, wherein m and R₈ are defined above. Representative alkylthio groups include methylthio, ethyl thio, and the like.

The term “carbonyl” is art recognized and includes such moieties as can be represented by the general formula:

wherein X is a bond or represents an oxygen or a sulfur, and R₁₁ represents a hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkenyl, —(CH₂)_(m)—R₈ or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, R′₁₁ represents a hydrogen, an alkyl, an alkenyl or —(CH₂)_(m)—R₈, where m and R₈ are as defined above. Where X is an oxygen and R₁₁ or R′₁₁ is not hydrogen, the formula represents an “ester”. Where X is an oxygen, and R₁₁ is as defined above, the moiety is referred to herein as a carboxyl group, and particularly when R₁₁ is a hydrogen, the formula represents a “carboxylic acid”. Where X is an oxygen, and R′₁₁ is hydrogen, the formula represents a “formate”. In general, where the oxygen atom of the above formula is replaced by sulfur, the formula represents a “thiolcarbonyl” group. Where X is a sulfur and R₁₁ or R′₁₁ is not hydrogen, the formula represents a “thiolester.” Where X is a sulfur and R₁₁ is hydrogen, the formula represents a “thiolcarboxylic acid.” Where X is a sulfur and R₁₁′ is hydrogen, the formula, represents a “thiolformate.” On the other hand, where X is a bond, and R₁₁ is not hydrogen, the above formula represents a “ketone” group. Where X is a bond, and R₁₁ is hydrogen, the above formula represents an “aldehyde” group.

The terms “alkoxyl” or “alkoxy” as used herein refers to an alkyl group, as defined above, having an oxygen radical attached thereto. Representative alkoxyl groups include methoxy, ethoxy, propyloxy, tert-butoxy and the like. An “ether” is two hydrocarbons covalently linked by an oxygen. Accordingly, the substituent of an alkyl that renders that alkyl an ether is or resembles an alkoxyl, such as can be represented by one of —O-alkyl, —O-alkenyl, —O-alkynyl, —O—(CH₂)_(m)—R₈, where m and R₈ are described above.

The abbreviations Me, Et Ph, Tf, Nf, Ts, Ms represent methyl, ethyl, phenyl, trifluoromethanesulfonyl, nonafluorobutanesulfonyl, p-toluenesulfonyl and methanesulfonyl, respectively. A more comprehensive list of the abbreviations utilized by organic chemists of ordinary skill in the art appears in the first issue of each volume of the Journal of Organic Chemistry; this list is typically presented in a table entitled Standard List of Abbreviations. The abbreviations contained in said list, and all abbreviations utilized by organic chemists of ordinary skill in the art are hereby incorporated by reference.

Analogous substitutions can be made to alkenyl and alkynyl groups to produce, for example, aminoalkenyls, aminoalkynyls, amidoalkenyls, amidoalkynyls, iminoalkenyls, iminoalkynyls, thioalkenyls, thioalkynyls, carbonyl-substituted alkenyls or alkynyls.

As used herein, the definition of each expression, e.g., alkyl, m, n, etc., when it occurs more than once in any structure, is intended to be independent of its definition elsewhere in the same structure.

It will be understood that “substitution” or “substituted with” includes the implicit proviso that such substitution is in accordance with permitted valence of the substituted atom and the substituent, and that the substitution results in a stable compound, e.g., which does not spontaneously undergo transformation such as by rearrangement, cyclization, elimination, etc.

As used herein, the term “substituted” is contemplated to include all permissible substituents of organic compounds. In a broad aspect, the permissible substituents include acyclic and cyclic, branched and unbranched, carbocyclic and heterocyclic, aromatic and nonaromatic substituents of organic compounds. Illustrative substituents include, for example, those described herein above. The permissible substituents can be one or more and the same or different for appropriate organic compounds. For purposes of this invention, the heteroatoms such as nitrogen may have hydrogen substituents and/or any permissible substituents of organic compounds described herein which satisfy the valences of the heteroatoms. This invention is not intended to be limited in any manner by the permissible substituents of organic compounds.

The phrase “protecting group” as used herein means temporary substituents which protect a potentially reactive functional group from undesired chemical transformations. Examples of such protecting groups include esters of carboxylic acids, silyl ethers of alcohols, and acetals and ketals of aldehydes and ketones, respectively. The field of protecting group chemistry has been reviewed (Greene, T. W.; Wuts, P. G. M. Protective Groups in Organic Synthesis, 2^(nd) ed.; Wiley: New York, 1991).

Certain compounds of the present invention may exist in particular geometric or stereoisomeric forms. The present invention contemplates all such compounds, including cis- and trans-isomers, R- and S-enantiomers, diastereomers, (D)-isomers, (L)-isomers, the racemic mixtures thereof, and other mixtures thereof, as falling within the scope of the invention. Additional asymmetric carbon atoms may be present in a substituent such as an alkyl group. All such isomers, as well as mixtures thereof, are intended to be included in this invention.

If, for instance, a particular enantiomer of a compound of the present invention is desired, it may be prepared by asymmetric synthesis, it may be isolated using chiral chromatography methods, or by derivation with a chiral auxiliary, where the resulting diastereomeric mixture is separated and the auxiliary group cleaved to provide the pure desired enantiomers. Alternatively, where the molecule contains a basic functional group, such as amino, or an acidic functional group, such as carboxyl, diastereomeric salts are formed with an appropriate optically-active acid or base, followed by resolution of the diastereomers thus formed by fractional crystallization or chromatographic means well known in the art, and subsequent recovery of the pure enantiomers.

Contemplated equivalents of the compounds described above include compounds which otherwise correspond thereto, and which have the same general properties thereof (e.g., functioning as analgesics), wherein one or more simple variations of substituents are made which do not adversely affect the efficacy of the compound in binding to opioid receptors. In general, the compounds of the present invention may be prepared by the methods illustrated in the general reaction schemes as, for example, described below, or by modifications thereof, using readily available starting materials, reagents and conventional synthesis procedures. In these reactions, it is also possible to make use of variants which are in themselves known, but are not mentioned here.

For purposes of this invention, the chemical elements are identified in accordance with the Periodic Table of the Elements, CAS version, Handbook of Chemistry and Physics, 67th Ed., 1986-87, inside cover.

Dosages

The dosage of any compositions of the present invention will vary depending on the symptoms, age and body weight of the patient, the nature and severity of the disorder to be treated or prevented, the route of administration, and the form of the subject composition. Any of the subject formulations may be administered in a single dose or in divided doses. Dosages for the compositions of the present invention may be readily determined by techniques known to those of skill in the art or as taught herein.

In certain embodiments, the dosage of the subject compounds will generally be in the range of about 0.01 ng to about 10 g per kg body weight, specifically in the range of about 1 ng to about 0.1 g per kg, and more specifically in the range of about 100 ng to about 10 mg per kg.

An effective dose or amount, and any possible effects on the timing of administration of the formulation, may need to be identified for any particular composition of the present invention. This may be accomplished by routine experiment as described herein, using one or more groups of animals (preferably at least 5 animals per group), or in human trials if appropriate. The effectiveness of any subject composition and method of treatment or prevention may be assessed by administering the composition and assessing the effect of the administration by measuring one or more applicable indices, and comparing the post-treatment values of these indices to the values of the same indices prior to treatment.

The precise time of administration and amount of any particular subject composition that will yield the most effective treatment in a given patient will depend upon the activity, pharmacokinetics, and bioavailability of a subject composition, physiological condition of the patient (including age, sex, disease type and stage, general physical condition, responsiveness to a given, dosage and type of medication), route of administration, and the like. The guidelines presented herein may be used to optimize the treatment, e.g., determining the optimum time and/or amount of administration, which will require no more than routine experimentation consisting of monitoring the subject and adjusting the dosage and/or timing.

While the subject is being treated, the health of the patient may be monitored by measuring one or more of the relevant indices at predetermined times during the treatment period. Treatment, including composition, amounts, times of administration and formulation, may be optimized according to the results of such monitoring. The patient may be periodically reevaluated to determine the extent of improvement by measuring the same parameters. Adjustments to the amount(s) of subject composition administered and possibly to the time of administration may be made based on these reevaluations.

Treatment may be initiated with smaller dosages which are less than the optimum dose of the compound. Thereafter, the dosage may be increased by small increments until the optimum therapeutic effect is attained.

The use of the subject compositions may reduce the required dosage for any individual agent contained in the compositions because the onset and duration of effect of the different agents may be complimentary.

Toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of subject compositions may be determined by standard pharmaceutical procedures in cell cultures or experimental animals, e.g., for determining the LD₅₀ and the ED₅₀.

The data obtained from the cell culture assays and animal studies may be used in formulating a range of dosage for use in humans. The dosage of any subject composition lies preferably within a range of circulating concentrations that include the ED₅₀ with little or no toxicity. The dosage may vary within this range depending upon the dosage form employed and the route of administration utilized. For compositions of the present invention, the therapeutically effective dose may be estimated initially from cell culture assays.

Formulation

The compositions of the present invention may be administered by various means, depending on their intended use, as is well known in the art. For example, if compositions of the present invention are to be administered orally, they may be formulated as tablets, capsules, granules, powders or syrups. Alternatively, formulations of the present invention may be administered parenterally as injections (intravenous, intramuscular or subcutaneous), drop infusion preparations or suppositories. For application by the ophthalmic mucous membrane route, compositions of the present invention may be formulated as eye drops or eye ointments. These formulations may be prepared by conventional means, and, if desired, the compositions may be mixed with any conventional additive, such as an excipient, a binder, a disintegrating agent, a lubricant, a corrigent, a solubilizing agent, a suspension aid, an emulsifying agent or a coating agent.

In formulations of the subject invention, wetting agents, emulsifiers and lubricants, such as sodium lauryl sulfate and magnesium stearate, as well as coloring agents, release agents, coating agents, sweetening, flavoring and perfuming agents, preservatives and antioxidants may be present in the formulated agents.

Subject compositions may be suitable for oral, nasal, topical (including buccal and sublingual), rectal, vaginal, aerosol and/or parenteral administration. The formulations may conveniently be presented in unit dosage form and may be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy. The amount of composition that may be combined with a carrier material to produce a single dose vary depending upon the subject being treated, and the particular mode of administration.

Methods of preparing these formulations include the step of bringing into association compositions of the present invention with the carrier and, optionally, one or more accessory ingredients. In general, the formulations are prepared by uniformly and intimately bringing into association agents with liquid carriers, or finely divided solid carriers, or both, and then, if necessary, shaping the product.

Formulations suitable for oral administration may be in the form of capsules, cachets, pills, tablets, lozenges (using a flavored basis, usually sucrose and acacia or tragacanth), powders, granules, or as a solution or a suspension in an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid, or as an oil-in-water or water-in-oil liquid emulsion, or as an elixir or syrup, or as pastilles (using an inert base, such as gelatin and glycerin, or sucrose and acacia), each containing a predetermined amount of a subject composition thereof as an active ingredient. Compositions of the present invention may also be administered as a bolus, electuary, or paste.

In solid dosage forms for oral administration (capsules, tablets, pills, dragees, powders, granules and the like), the subject composition is mixed with one or more pharmaecutically acceptable carriers, such as sodium citrate or dicalcium phosphate, and/or any of the following: (1) fillers or extenders, such as starches, lactose, sucrose, glucose, mannitol, and/or silicic acid; (2) binders, such as, for example, carboxymethylcellulose, alginates, gelatin, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, sucrose and/or acacia; (3) humectants, such as glycerol; (4) disintegrating agents, such as agar-agar, calcium carbonate, potato or tapioca starch, alginic acid, certain silicates, and sodium carbonate; (5) solution retarding agents, such as paraffin; (6) absorption accelerators, such as quaternary ammonium compounds; (7) wetting agents, such as, for example, acetyl alcohol and glycerol monostearate; (8) absorbents, such as kaolin and bentonite clay; (9) lubricants, such a talc, calcium stearate, magnesium stearate, solid polyethylene glycols, sodium lauryl sulfate, and mixtures thereof; and (10) coloring agents. In the case of capsules, tablets and pills, the compositions may also comprise buffering agents. Solid compositions of a similar type may also be employed as fillers in soft and hard-filled gelatin capsules using such excipients as lactose or milk sugars, as well as high molecular weight polyethylene glycols and the like.

A tablet may be made by compression or molding, optionally with one or more accessory ingredients. Compressed tablets may be prepared using binder (for example, gelatin or hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose), lubricant, inert diluent, preservative, disintegrant (for example, sodium starch glycolate or cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose), surface-active or dispersing agent. Molded tablets may be made by molding in a suitable machine a mixture of the subject composition moistened with an inert liquid diluent. Tablets, and other solid dosage forms, such as dragees, capsules, pills and granules, may optionally be scored or prepared with coatings and shells, such as enteric coatings and other coatings well known in the pharmaceutical-formulating art.

Liquid dosage forms for oral administration include pharmaceutically acceptable emulsions, microemulsions, solutions, suspensions, syrups and elixirs. In addition to the subject composition, the liquid dosage forms may contain inert diluents commonly used in the art, such as, for example, water or other solvents, solubilizing agents and emulsiflers, such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ethyl carbonate, ethyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, benzyl benzoate, propylene glycol, 1,3-butylene glycol, oils (in particular, cottonseed, groundnut, corn, germ, olive, castor and sesame oils), glycerol, tetrahydrofuryl alcohol, polyethylene glycols and fatty acid esters of sorbitan, and mixtures thereof.

Suspensions, in addition to the subject composition, may contain suspending agents as, for example, ethoxylated isostearyl alcohols, polyoxyethylene sorbitol and sorbitan esters, microcrystalline cellulose, aluminum metahydroxide, bentonite, agar-agar and tragacanth, and mixtures thereof.

Formulations for rectal or vaginal administration may be presented as a suppository, which may be prepared by mixing a subject composition with one or more suitable non-irritating excipients or carriers comprising, for example, cocoa butter, polyethylene glycol, a suppository wax or a salicylate, and which is solid at room temperature, but liquid at body temperature and, therefore, will melt in the body cavity and release the active agent. Formulations which are suitable for vaginal administration also include pessaries, tampons, creams, gels, pastes, foams or spray formulations containing such carriers as are known in the art to be appropriate.

Dosage forms for transdermal administration of a subject composition includes powders, sprays, ointments, pastes, creams, lotions, gels, solutions, patches and inhalants. The active component may be mixed under sterile conditions with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, and with any preservatives, buffers, or propellants which may be required.

The ointments, pastes, creams and gets may contain, in addition to a subject composition, excipients, such as animal and vegetable fats, oils, waxes, paraffins, starch, tragacanth, cellulose derivatives, polyethylene glycols, silicones, bentonites, silicic acid, talc and zinc oxide, or mixtures thereof.

Powders and sprays may contain, in addition to a subject composition, excipients such as lactose, talc, silicic acid, aluminum hydroxide, calcium silicates and polyamide powder, or mixtures of these substances. Sprays may additionally contain customary propellants, such as chlorofluorohydrocarbons and volatile unsubstituted hydrocarbons, such as butane and propane.

Compositions of the present invention may alternatively be administered by aerosol. This is accomplished by preparing an aqueous aerosol, liposomal preparation or solid particles containing the compound. A non-aqueous (e.g., fluorocarbon propellant) suspension could be used. Sonic nebulizers may be used because they minimize exposing the agent to shear, which may result in degradation of the compounds contained in the subject compositions.

Ordinarily, an aqueous aerosol is made by formulating an aqueous solution or suspension of a subject composition together with conventional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers and stabilizers. The carriers and stabilizers vary with the requirements of the particular subject composition, but typically include non-ionic surfactants (Tweens, Pluronics, or polyethylene glycol), innocuous proteins like serum albumin, sorbitan esters, oleic acid, lecithin, amino acids such as glycine, buffers, salts, sugars or sugar alcohols. Aerosols generally are prepared from isotonic solutions.

Pharmaceutical compositions of this invention suitable for parenteral administration comprise a subject composition in combination with one or more pharmaceutically-acceptable sterile isotonic aqueous or non-aqueous solutions, dispersions, suspensions or emulsions, or sterile powders which may be reconstituted into sterile injectable solutions or dispersions just prior to use, which may contain antioxidants, buffers, bacteriostats, solutes which render the formulation isotonic with the blood of the intended recipient or suspending or thickening agents.

Examples of suitable aqueous and non-aqueous carriers which may be employed in the pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include water, ethanol, polyols (such as glycerol, propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, and the like), and suitable mixtures thereof, vegetable oils, such as olive oil, and injectable organic esters, such as ethyl oleate. Proper fluidity may be maintained, for example, by the use of coating materials, such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersions, and by the use of surfactants.

Kits

This invention also provides kits for conveniently and effectively implementing the methods of this invention. Such kits comprise any subject composition, and a means for facilitating compliance with methods of this invention. Such kits provide a convenient and effective means for assuring that the subject to be treated takes the appropriate active in the correct dosage in the correct manner. The compliance means of such kits includes any means which facilitates administering the actives according to a method of this invention. Such compliance means include instructions, packaging, and dispensing means, and combinations thereof. Kit components may be packaged for either manual or partially or wholly automated practice of the foregoing methods. In other embodiments involving kits, this invention, contemplates a kit including compositions of the present invention, and optionally instructions for their use.

Exemplification

The invention now being generally described, it will be more readily understood by reference to the following examples which are included merely for purposes of illustration of certain aspects and embodiments of the present invention, and are not intended to limit the invention.

EXAMPLE 1

Initially, we hypothesized that blocking the 2-position of the pyridine ring of compound A in FIG. 1 with a CF₃ group would give a compound with increased half-life in vivo, because we suspected that the electronegativity of the oxygen atom and the pyridinyl nitrogen atom would impart inherent reactivity for aromatic hydroxylation by metabolizing enzymes at the 2-position. Therefore, we synthesized compound B (32 in Table 1). However, the electronegativity of the CF₃ group caused a decrease in binding affinity to the target receptor (Table 1). This led us to synthesize compound C ((S)-15 in Table 1), which contains a methyl group in place of the CF₃ group. The methyl substituent in the 2-position resulted in a compound with reasonable binding affinity to α4β2 nAChRs, but overall reduced agonist activity toward all nAChR subtypes tested.

During the course of our study, two synthetic papers published independently by the Baran group and the MacMillan group showed that inherent susceptibility for heteroaromatic hydroxylation could be investigated under oxidative conditions in the presence of a trifluoromethylating reagent. We subjected sazetidine-A to the conditions reported by the Baran group. As hypothesized, trifluoromethylation occurred at the 2-position of the pyridine ring, albeit in 10% yield, suggesting that this position is indeed inherently susceptible to P450-mediated oxidation. In all, we have discovered that the 2-position of sazetidine-A is inherently susceptible to oxidation, and replacement of the CF₃ group with a methyl group in this position affords a compound with reduced agonist activity at all nAChR subtypes tested. Further in vivo characterizations showed that this resulted in a compound with reduced toxicity in a ferret model of emesis.

The analogs in this study were synthesized by an optimized three-step procedure as shown in Scheme 1 (FIG. 2). Each epimer of Boc-protected 2-azetidinylmethanol or 2-pyrrolidinylmethanol was reacted with 5-bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-ol via standard Mitsunobu coupling to give bromides 7 or 8. The alkynyl appendage was incorporated by Sonogashira coupling in a sealed tube. The N-Boc protecting group was then removed by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid to afford the desired analogs 15-23.

Analogs 21 and 22, which contain a terminal halogen substituent, were synthesized as outlined in Scheme 2 (FIG. 3). The hydroxyl group of compound 17 was tosylated with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride in methylene chloride. The resulting product was the treated with potassium fluoride in the presence of Kryptofix 2.2.2 in dry THF to afford the fluoroalkane 20. Compound 22 was obtained as the hydrochloride salt after deprotection of the N-Boc group by treatment with hydrogen chloride in methanol. The chloroalkane analog 21 was originally afforded by a side reaction during the tosylation step when compound 17 was treated with p-toluenesulfonyl chloride at room temperature. We have optimized the synthesis of the chloroalkane analog by treating compound 17 with triphenylphosphine and carbon tetrachloride in a sealed tube at 80° C. for 48 hours. Deprotection of the chlorinated product 19 was accomplished by treatment with hydrogen chloride in methanol to the hydrochloride salt of compound 21.

The trifluoromethyl-substituted analog 32 was synthesized as shown in Scheme 3 (FIG. 4). The methyl aryl ether 28 was treated with hydrogen bromide in acetic acid at elevated temperatures to afford hydroxypyridine 29. Mitsunobu homologation of 29 with alcohol 1 then gave compound 30. 1-Hexyne was coupled to 30 by the Sonogashira procedure outlined in Scheme 1. However, for this substrate the reaction was accomplished at lower temperature and shorter reaction time, presumably because of the electron-withdrawing properties of the trifluoromethyl substituent assisting in the initial oxidative insertion of the palladium between the carbon and bromine atoms. It is important to note that when the reaction was run at higher temperature and longer reaction time the yield was considerably lower. Deprotection of the N-Boc group was then accomplished by treatment with hydrogen chloride in methanol to give compound 32 as the hydrogen chloride salt.

In Vitro Binding Affinities for nAChR Subtypes. The binding affinities of the novel 2,5-disubstituted pyridinyl analogs for the defined rat nAChR subtypes as well as for native nAChRs of rat forebrain were examined in binding competition studies against [³H]-epibatidine. For comparison, binding affinities of (−)-nicotine, varenicline and Sazetidine-A were obtained from parallel binding experiments. To determine selectivities of these compounds in binding assays among the three predominant nAChR subtypes, α3β4, α4β2 and α7, the ratios of K_(i) values (α3β4/α4β2 and α7/α4β2) were determined.

As shown in Table 1, Sazetidine-A bound to α4β2 nAChRs with a very high affinity (K_(i)=0.062 nM), which was 31,000 and 11,000 times higher than its affinities for α3β4, and α7 subtypes, respectively. It is also clear that Sazetidine-A bound to each β2 containing nAChR subtype with a much higher affinity than to its β4 counterpart having the same α subunit.

As shown in Scheme 1, incorporation of a methyl group at 2-position of Sazetidine-A afforded (S)-17. The K_(i) value of this compound for α4β2 nAChRs is 4.3 nM, showing a 70-fold reduction in binding affinity for the subtype (Table 1). However, the binding affinity of (S)-12 for α4β2 nAChRs is still higher than that of (−)-nicotine. More importantly, (S)-17 retained the excellent selectivity pattern of Sazetidine-A. Actually, it is slightly more selective than Sazetidine-A for α4β2 nAChRs over α3β4 and α7 subtypes.

We synthesized four analogs of (S)-17. Replacing the hydroxyl group at the terminus of the alkyl chain with a fluorine atom (22), or a chlorine atom (21), did not lead to significant changes of binding property profiles (Scheme 2, Table 1). Similarly, removing the hydroxyl group ((S)-15) or replacing the end of the side chain with a cyclopropyl ring ((S)-27) resulted in little change in binding profiles (Scheme 1, Table 1).

Interestingly, all closely related (S)-enantiomers, including (S)-15, (S)-27, 21 and 22, showed binding property profiles similar to that of (S)-17. In contrast, (R)-15 showed significantly lower binding affinities and reduced selectivities than those of (S)-15 (Table 1). Actually, among the new compounds in this study, all (R)-enantiomers showed lower binding affinities and less selectivities than those of their (S)-enantiomers.

It is important, to note that (S)-16, which has a five-membered ring pyrrolidine group, showed much lower affinities and selectivites than those of (S)-15, which has a four-member ring azetidinyl group (Scheme 1, Table 1). (S)-16 still had nM binding affinity at α4β2 nAChRs and maintained more than 1,000 fold selectivities for α4β2 receptors over α3β4 or α7 subtypes. Confirming the difference between (S)-and (R)-enantiomers, the (R)-enantiomer of 16 showed little binding affinities and selectivities.

Compound 32, which contains a trifluoromethyl group at the 2-position of the pyridine ring, showed little binding affinity to any of the nAChR subtypes. This may indicate that reducing electron density in the pyridine ring and/or increasing bulk at the 2-position can lead to lower binding affinities.

TABLE 1 Comparison of Binding Affinities of Nicotine, Varenicline and Sazetidine-A for nAChR Subtypes to Those of the 3-Alkoxy-2,5-Substituted-Pyridyl Compounds K_(i) (nM)^(a) Compound α2β2 α2β4 α3β2 α3β4 α4β2

   12    110    47      440      10

   0.48    94    2.5      390       0.12

   0.087    210    0.38    1,900       0.062

  970 250,000  3,600   200,000      740

   16  31,000   390   230,000      12

22,000 370,000 19,000   220,000    9,900

  130  59,000  2,500    94,000      73

   13  9,600   340   150,000       9.6

   5.3  26,000   220   300,000       4.3

   8.7  24,000   230   150,000       5.1

   8.6  29,000   300    92,000       5.3

NT NT NT >100,000 >100,000 Fore- K_(i) Ratio Compound α4β4 α7 brain α3β4/α4β2 α7/α4β2

   40    517     12    44   520

   28    37      1.1  3,300   310

   52    670      0.17 31,000 11,000

160,000 160,000    4,300   270   220

 3,500  93,000     52 19,000  7,800

270,000 110,000   110,000    22    11

 23,000 130,000     540  1,300  1,800

   750 150,000     31 16,000 16,000

 3,300 170,000     11 70,000 40,000

 3,000 150,000     15 29,000 29,000

 3,700  67,000     32 17,000 13,000

NT NT >100,000 — — ^(a)K_(i) values of the compounds shown are the mean of 3 to 5 independent measurements (for clarity, SEM values were omitted).

In Vitro Effects on nAChR Function. Six new compounds showing high binding affinities for α4β2 nAChRs and high selectivities for this subtype over α3β4 and α7 receptors in binding assays were chosen for functional studies (Table 1). Their agonist activities were assessed by measuring stimulated ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux from stably transfected cells, either expressing human α4β2 nAChRs or rat α3β4 receptors. Their abilities to desensitize the two nAChR subtypes were determined by measuring nicotine-stimulated ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux after cells were pre-incubated with the test compounds for 10 min. For comparison, nicotine, varenicline and Sazetidine-A were included in the experiments.

As expected, nicotine showed full agonist activities at both human α4β2 and rat α3β4 nAChRs (Table 1). Consistent with previous reports, compared to those of (−)-nicotine, varenicline had 45% of efficacy in stimulating efflux from cells expressing the α4β2 nAChRs and 90% of efficacy from cells expressing the α3β4 nAChRs. Sazetidine-A showed slightly lower efficacy at the α4β2 nAChRs than that of varenicline. In contrast, Sazetidine-A's agonist activity at the α3β4 nAChRs was much lower than, that of (−)-nicotine and varenicline. Consistent with the purposes of developing this line of novel ligands, all 6 compounds tested show much lower agonist activities than those of Sazetidine-A at both receptor subtypes. (S)-15, (S)-27 and (S)-17 had less than 20% agonist efficacy at the α4β2 nAChRs. (S)-16, (S)-22 and (S)-21 didn't show detectable agonist activity at the receptor subtype. All 6 compounds showed no detectable agonist activity at the α3β4 nAChRs.

As expected, (−)-nicotine, varenicline and Sazetidine-A potently and selectively desensitize α4β2 nAChRs with IC_(50(10′)) values in nM range (Table 1). To our delight, (S)-15, (S)-27 and (S)-17, (S)-22 and (S)-21 maintained the ability to selectively desensitize the α4β2 nAChRs. Their IC_(50(10′)) values for desensitizing α4β2 nAChRs ranged from 51 nM for (S)-17 to 260 nM for (S)-21. In contrast, their IC_(50(10′)) values for desensitizing α3β4 nAChRs were higher than 10,000 nM.

It is interesting that (s)-16 has lowest potency in desensitizing the α4β2 nAChRs among all compounds studied. Furthermore, the potency of (S)-16 to desensitize α4β2 nAChRs is only slightly higher than that to desensitize α3β4 nAChRs. This observation confirmed the importance of the four-member ring azetidinyl group in Sazetidine-A, (S)-15, (S)-27 and (S)-17, (S)-22 and (S)-21 in selectively desensitizing the α4β2 nAChRs.

TABLE 2 Comparison of Activation and Desensitization of nAChR Function by Ligands α4β2 nAChRs^(a) α3β4 nAChRs^(a) EC₅₀ ^(b) E_(max) ^(c) IC_(50(10′)) ^(d) EC₅₀ E_(max) IC_(50(10′)) Compound (nM) (%) (nM) (nM) (%) (nM) (−)-Nicotine 2,400 100  370 23,000 100  >10,000 Varenicline 950 45 94 22,000 90 >10,000 Sazetidine-A 24 40 12 24,000 17 >10,000 (S)-15 310 15 180 ND ND >10,000 (S)-16 ND ND 1,600 ND ND 6,400 (S)-27 160 17 110 ND ND >10,000 (S)-17 63 17 51 ND ND >10,000 (S)-22 ND ND 130 ND ND >10,000 (S)-21 ND ND 260 ND ND >10,000 ^(a)Functional properties of each compounds were determined in using stable cell lines expressing human α4β2 or rat α3β4 nAChRs. ^(b)EC₅₀ values show potencies of agonist activities. ^(c)E_(max) (%) values show relative efficacies of agonist activities, which were normalized to the E_(max) value of nicotine. ^(d)IC_(50(10′)) values show potencies of desensitizer activities. ^(d)ND indicates no significant stimulated efflux was detected. All values shown are means of 3 to 9 independent experiments (for clarity, SEM values have been omitted).

In Vivo Effects on Alcohol Intake In Rats. In our initial behavioral studies in an animal model, effects of compound (S)-15 (Scheme 1, YL-1-127) on alcohol self-administration in alcohol preferring rats (P rats) were assessed. Three doses of (S)-15 were tested: 0.33. 1and 3 mg/kg (s.c.). Compared with control vehicle, (S)-15 significantly reduced alcohol intake in a dose dependent manner. At 0.33 mg/kg, the compound did not show a significant effect at any time point. The medium dose of 1 mg/kg reduced alcohol intake significantly (p<0.05) at 24 h. At 3 mg/kg, the compound had significant effects at both 6(p<0.05) and 24 h (p<0.0005) on alcohol intake (FIG. 5).

Emetic Effects of Compound (S)-15 (YL-1-127) in Ferrets. Effects of (S)-15 in causing nausea and emesis were assessed in a ferret model. For comparison, varenicline was also tested. In all animals tested (n=6), administration of (S)-15 (1-30 mg/kg; s.c.) did not elicit any emetic episodes or stereotypical behaviors that are indicative of nausea. In general, all animals remained alert and active with periods of inactivity that mirrored their baseline behavior within the 1 hr observation period.

In five ferrets, varenicline (0.5 mg/kg; s.c.) was administered to assess its effects on emesis or stereotypical behaviors associated with nausea. Whereas no emetic episodes were observed, drug induced nausea as evident by gagging (retching; mean # of episodes 2.80+1.63) were evident following the varenicline administration in the majority of the animals (n=4/5) tested. In one animal, this behavior was accompanied by oral stereotypy (licking), whereas in two animals it was interspersed by episodes of backward walking. On the average, these behaviors manifested around ˜2.20 min. In general, the locomotor behavior of these animals was noticeably reduced at ˜1.05 min post-injection and remained so for the duration of the observation period (˜1 hr). Occasionally, when animals tried to ambulate they would immediately cease their movement after each attempt. This would, be followed by a momentary increase in breathing, giving the impression that the animal was in distress.

EXAMPLE 2

Design and Synthesis of Compounds. The compounds of the invention may be prepared by any conventional method useful for the preparation of analogous compounds and as described in the examples below.

Starting materials for the processes described in the present patent application are known or can be prepared by known processes from commercially available materials.

A compound of the invention can be converted to another compound of the invention using conventional methods.

The products of the reactions described herein are isolated by conventional means such as extraction, crystallization, distillation, chromatography, and the like.

Examples of the nicotinic ACh receptor ligands of the present invention may be prepared by the general methods described in the Schemes hereinafter.

General Chemistry Methods. All solvents and reagents were used as obtained from commercial sources unless otherwise indicated. All starting materials were also obtained from commercial source. All reactions were performed under nitrogen atmosphere unless otherwise noted. Organic phases were washed with water, brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄ and evaporated at 40° C. under reduced pressure (standard work up). ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra were recorded on a Varian-400 spectrometer operating at 400 MHz for ¹H and 100 MHz for ¹³C. Deuterated chloroform (99.8% D) was used as solvents. ¹H Chemical shifts value (δ), from tetramethylsilane as internal standard. ¹³C chemical shifts (δ) are referenced to CDCl₃ (central peak, δ=77.00 ppm) as the internal standard. Optical rotation was detected on ADP220 Automatic polarimeter from Bellingham & Stanley Limited. Mass spectra were measured in positive mode electrospray ionization (ESI). The HRMS data were obtained on a Waters Q-TOF Premier mass spectrometer. TLC was performed on silica gel 60 F₂₅₄ plastic sheets; column chromatography was performed using silica gel (35-75 mesh). Combustion analyses were performed by Atlantic Microtabs, Inc. Norcross, Ga.

General Procedure for the Mitsunobu Reaction. To a mixture of the N-Boc protected alcohol (1.0 equiv), the 5-halogen-3-pyridinol (1.0 equiv), and Ph₃P (1.3 equiv) in anhydrous THF (0.1 M) was added DEAD (1.3 equiv) dropwise at 0° C. under nitrogen atmosphere. After stirring for 2 days at room temperature, the solvent was removed under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of hexane-ethyl acetate (10:1 to 5:1) as the eluent to give the product in 68%-90% yield.

General Procedure (method A) for the Sonogashira coupling reaction. A mixture of the Mitsunobu adduct (1 equiv), 1-hexyne (4 equiv), Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (0.05 equiv), CuI (0.1 equiv), PPh₃ (0.1 equiv) in Et₃N/DMSO (10:1, 0.12 M) was stirred overnight at room temperature under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was washed with water, brine, and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of CH₂Cl₂-ethyl acetate (16:1 to 10:1) as the elueut to give the product in 88-98% yield.

General Procedure (method B) for the Sonogashira coupling reaction. A mixture of the Mitsunobu adduct (1 equiv), 1-hexyne (in the synthesis of compound 24, ethynylcyclopropane was used; in the synthesis of 17, 5-hexyn-1-ol was used) (4 equiv), Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (0.05 equiv), CuI (0.1 equiv), PPh₃ (0.1 equiv) in Et₃N/DMSO (10:1, 0.12 M) was heated to 95° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere in a sealed tube for 60 h. The cooled reaction mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was washed with water, brine, and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The extract was concentrated under a reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of CH₂Cl₂-ethyl acetate (16:1 to 10:1) as the eluent to give the product in 88-98% yield.

General Procedure (method C) for deprotection of the N-Boc group. To a stirred solution of the Sonogashira adduct (1 equiv) in dichloromethane (0.1 M) was added trifluoroacetic acid (32 equiv) dropwise at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The solvent and excess TFA was then removed under reduced pressure. To the residue was added 2-3 mL of methanol was added followed by dropwise addition of 10% aqueous NaOH solution at 0° C. until the pH of the mixture was 9-10. After the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 30 min, the solution was taken up in dichloromethane, and the organic phase was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of CH₂Cl₂-methanol (20:1 to 10:1) as the eluent to give the product in 75-83% yield.

General Procedure (method D) for deprotection of the N-Boc group. To Boc protected compound (1 mmol), the solution of 2 M HCl in Methanol (10 mL) was added at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was allowed to warm to room temperature and stirred for 3 hours. The reaction mixture was concentrated under a reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of CH₂Cl₂-Methanol (10:1 to 5:1) as the eluent to give the product as white solid in 73-92% yield.

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-iodopyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-5). Yield: 86′ (white solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.43 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 8.30 (d, 1H, J=2.4 Hz), 7.61 (dd, 1H, J=2.4, 1.6 Hz), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.12 (dd, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.88 (m, 2H), 2.31 (m, 2H), 1.43 (s, 9H).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-iodopyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carbocylate ((R)-5). Yield; 90′ (white solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.44 (s, 1H), 8.30 (s, 1H), 7.60 (br s, 1H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.12 (dd,, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.88 (m, 2H), 2.31 (m, 2H), 1.43 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-iodopyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-6). Yield: 87% (white solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.41 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.56 (br s, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 3.99 (m, 0.5H), 3.84 (m, 0.5H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 4H), 1,47 (s, 9H).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-iodopyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-6). Yield: 84% (white solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz); δ8.41 (s, 1H), 8.26 (s, 1H), 7.56 (m, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 3.99 (m, 0.5H), 3.84 (m, 0.5H), 3.36 (m, 2H), 1.94 (m, 4H), 1.47 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-Bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-7). Yield: 69% (light red solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.15 (s, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 4.52 (m, 1H), 4.33 (m, 1H), 4.05 (m, 1H), 3.90 (m, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.34 (m, 2H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-7). Yield: 77% (light red solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.16 (s, 1H), 7.26 (s, 1H), 4.53 (m, 1H), 4.34 (m, 1H), 4.06 (m, 1H), 3.91 (m, 2H), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.35 (m, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-8). Yield: 68% (light red solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.13 (s, 1H), 7.26 (br s, 1H), 4.15 (m, 2H), 4.00 (m, 0.5H), 3.85 (m, 0.5H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 1.96 (m, 4H), 1.48 (s, 9H).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-bromo-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-8). Yield: 70% (light red solid). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.12 (s. 1H), 7.26 (br s, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 3.99 (m, 0.5H), 3.84 (m, 0.5H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 1.95 (m, 4H), 1.47 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)pyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-9). Method A was used. Yield: 93% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.25 (br s, 2H), 7.24 (s, 1H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.31 (m, 1H), 4.12 (dd, 1H J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.88 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.42 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.30 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.49 (m, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)pyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-9). Method A was used. Yield: 90% (light yellow oil), ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.25 (br s, 2H), 7.25 (s, 1H), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.12 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.88 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.42 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.30 (m, 2H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.49 (m, 2H), 1.42 (s, 9H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.6 Hz).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)pyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-10). Method A was used. Yield: 93% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.26 (m, 2H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 4.01 (m, 0.5H), 3.84 (m, 0.5H), 3.39 (m, 2H), 2.42 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 1.95 (br m, 4H), 1.60 (m, 2H). 1.48 (m, 11H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.6 Hz).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)pyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-10). Method A was used. Yield: 98% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.26 (m, 2H), 7.23 (m, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 4.01 (m, 0.5H), 3.84 (m, 0.5H), 3.39 (m, 2H), 2.42 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 1.95 (br m, 4H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 11H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.6 Hz).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-11). Method B was used. Yield: 95% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.12 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 7.10 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 4.52 (m, 1H), 4.32 (m, 1H), 4.05 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.90 (m, 2H), 2.48 (s, 3H), 2.41 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.33 (m, 2H), 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.41 (s, 9H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-11). Method B was used. Yield: 93% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.10 (d, 1H, J=1,2 Hz), 7.09 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 4.50 (m, 1H), 4.30 (m, 1H), 4.03 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.89 (m, 2H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.39 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.31 (m, 2H), 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 1.39 (s, 9H), 0.94 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((S)-12). Method B was used. Yield: 98% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.10 (s, 1H), 7.11 (br s, 1H), 4.14 (m, 2H), 4.00 (m, 0.5H), 3.83 (m, 0.5H), 3.42 (m, 2H, 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.41 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.96 (m, 4H), 1.60 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 11H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz).

(R)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)pyrrolidine-1-carboxylate ((R)-12). Method B was used. Yield: 92% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.09 (s, 1H), 7.10 (br s, 1H), 4.13 (m, 2H), 3.99 (m, 0.5H), 3.82 (m, 0.5H), 3.41 (m, 2H), 2.43 (s, 3H), 2.40 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.95 (m, 4H), 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 11H), 0.95 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz).

(S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)pyridine ((S)-13). Yield: 84% (light red oil), ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.18 (s, 1H), 8.17 (s, 1H), 7.15 (s, 1H), 4.22 (m, 1H), 3.97 (m, 2H), 3.66 (m, 1H), 3.42 (m, 1H), 2.38 (m, 4H), 2.21 (m, 1H), 1.55 (m, 2H), 1.43 (m, 2H), 0.91 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ154.3, 144.7, 136.9, 123.1, 121.2, 93.8, 77.1, 72.7, 56.9, 44.1, 30.5, 23.9, 2.1.9, 19.0, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₅H₂₀N₂O (M+H)⁺ 245.1654, found 245.1680; [α]_(D) ²⁴=−3.2 (c=1.04, CHCl₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₅H₂₀N₂O·0.75H₂O: C, 69.87; H 8.40; N, 10.86. Found: C, 70.13; H, 8.12; N, 10.58.

(R)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)pyridine ((R)-13). Yield: 68% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.21 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.18 (s, 1H), 4.30 (m, 1H), 4.03 (m, 2H), 3.72 (m, 1H), 3.50 (m, 2H), 2.40 (m, 3H), 2.27 (m, 1H), 1.58 (m, 2H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 0.93 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ154.2, 144.7, 136.9, 123.1, 121.2, 93.8, 77.0, 72.0, 57.0, 43.9, 30.4, 23.5, 21.9, 19.0, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₅H₂₀N₂O (M+H)⁺ 245.1654, found 245.1673; [α]_(D) ²³=+10.58 (c=1.26, CHCl₃). Anal, Calcd for C₁₅H₂₀N₂O·0.625H₂O: C, 70.49; H, 8.38; N, 10.96. Found: C, 70.66; H, 8.33; N, 10.62.

(S)-3-(hex-1-ynyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine ((S)-14). Yield; 69% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz); δ8.15 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 8.13 (d, 1H, J=2.8 Hz), 7.12 (dd, 1H, J=2.8, 1.6 Hz), 3.87 (m, 2H), 3.49 (m, 1H), 3.28 (br s, 1H), 2.95 (m, 2H), 2.35 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.76 (m, 2H), 1.53 (m, 3H), 1.42 (m, 2H), 0.89 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ154.2, 144.6, 136.8, 123.0, 121.2, 93.7, 77.1, 71.3, 57.0, 46.4, 30.4, 27.8, 25.1,21.8, 19.0, 13.4. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O (M+H)⁺ 259.1810, found 259.1828; [α]_(D) ²⁵=−4.27 (c=0.78, CHCl₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O·0.75H₂O: C, 70.68; H, 8.71; N, 10.30. Found; C, 70.59; H, 8.22; N, 10.14.

(R)-3-(hex-1-ynyl)-5-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine ((R)-14). Yield: 61% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.20 (s, 1H), 8.19 (s, 1H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 3.91 (m, 2H), 3.54 (m, 1H), 3.04 (m, 3H), 2.40 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.96 (m, 1H), 1.82 (m, 2H), 1.57 (m, 3H), 1.47 (m, 2H), 0.94 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ154.3, 144.7, 137.0, 123.1, 121.3, 93.8, 77.2, 71.5, 57.0, 46.4, 30.6, 27.9, 25.3, 22.0, 19.1, 13.6. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O (M+H)⁺ 259.1810, found 259.1824; [α]_(D) ²⁴=+5.95 (c=0.56, CBCl₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O·0.5H₂O: C, 71.88; H, 8.67: N, 10.48. Found: C, 71.77; H, 8.61; N, 10.29.

(S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridine ((S)-15) (YL-1-127). Yield: 83% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.08 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.96 (m, 2H)( 3.67 (m, 1H), 3.47 (m, 1H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.38 (m, 4H), 2.23(m, 1H), 1.57 (m, 2H), 1.46 (m, 2H), 0.92 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ152.3, 148.0, 143.1, 119.7, 118.8, 92.7, 77.4, 72.4, 57.1, 44.3, 30.6, 23.9, 22.0, 19.2, 19.1, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O (M+H)⁺ 259.1810, found 259.1813; [α]_(D) ²⁴=−43 (c=0.77, CBCl₃), Anal, Calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O·0.625H₂O: C, 71.28; H, 8.69; N, 10.39, Found: C, 71.59; H, 8.56; N, 10.06.

(R)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridine ((R)-15) (YL-1-171). Yield: 75% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz); δ8.07 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.04 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 4.24 (m, 1H), 3.94 (m, 2H), 3.66 (m, 1H), 3.45 (m, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.36 (m, 3H), 2.24 (m, 2H), 1.56 (m, 2H), 1.45 (m, 2H), 0.92 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz); δ152.3, 148.0, 143.1, 119.7, 118.8, 92.7, 77.4, 72.5, 57.1, 44.3, 30.6, 24.0, 22.0, 19.2, 19.0, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O (M+H)⁺ 259.1810, found 259.1816; [α]_(D) ²⁵=+10.8 (c=0.62, CHCl₃), Anal. Calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O·0.375H₂O: C, 72.49: H, 8.65: N, 10.57. Found: C, 72.72; H, 8.67; N, 10.43.

(S)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methyl-3-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethoxy)pyridine. ((S)-16) (YL-1-169). Yield: 80% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.07 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.02 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 3.84 (m, 2H), 3.52 (m, 1H), 2.98 (m, 2H), 2.42 (s, 3H), 2.38 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.11 (br s, 1H), 1.93 (m, 1H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 1.56 (m, 3H), 1.45 (m, 2H), 0.92 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ152.3, 147.8, 143.0, 119.6, 118.8, 92.6, 77.5, 71.6, 57.0, 46.7, 30.6, 28.0, 25.4, 22.0, 19.3, 19.0, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₇H₂₄N₂O (M+H)⁺ 273.1967, found 273.1964; [α]_(D) ²⁵+6.4 (c=1.05, CHCl₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₇H₂₄N₂O·0.375H₂O: C, 73.15; H, 8.94; N, 10.04. Found: C, 73.29; H, 8.83; N, 9.99.

(R)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methyl-3-(pyrrolidin-2-ylmethoxy) pyridine. ((R)-16) (YL-1-117). Yield: 83% (light red oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.06 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.02 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 3.84 (m, 2H), 3.52 (m, 1H), 2.97 (m, 2H), 2.66 (br s, 1H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.37 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.93 (m, 1H), 1.78 (m, 2H), 1.55 (m, 3H), 1.44 (m, 2H), 0.91 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ152.2, 147.8, 143.0, 119.6, 118.8, 92.6, 77.4, 71.4, 57.0, 46.6, 30.6, 27.9, 25.3, 21.9, 19.2, 19.0, 13.5. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₇H₂₄N₂O (M+H)⁺ 273,1967, found 273,1960; [α]_(D) ²⁴=−4.4 (c=0.85, CHCl₃). Anal. Calcd for C₁₇H₂₄N₂O·0.75H₂O: C, 71.42; H, 8.99; N, 9.80, Found: C, 71.58; H, 8.80; N, 9.51.

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(6-hydroxyhex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate (17). A mixture of (S)-7 (357 mg, 1 mmol), 5-Hexyn-1-ol (294 mg, 3 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (35 mg, 0.05 mmol), CuI (19 mg, 0.1 mmol), PPh₃ (26 mg, 0.1 mmol) in Et₃N (10 mL) was heated to reflux overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere. The cooled mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was washed with water, brine, and then dried over Na₄SO₄. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of hexane-ethyl acetate (1:2) as the eluent to give the product 332 mg as light yellow oil. Yield: 89%, ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.04 (br s, 1H), 7.06 (s, 1H), 4.46 (m, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.98 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.0 Hz), 3.84 (m, 2H), 3.62 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.91 (br s, 1H), 2.41 (s, 3H), 2.39 (t, 2H, J=6.0 Hz), 2.26 (m, 2H), 1.65 (m, 4H), 1.34 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-(2-methyl-5-(6-(tosyloxy)hex-1-ynyl)pyridine-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate (18) and (S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(6-chlorohex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate (19). To a stirred solution of 17 (374 mg, 1 mmol) in dry pyridine (3 mL) was added tosyl chloride (210 mg, 1.1 mmol) at 0° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere. The reaction mixture was stirred for 3 h at room temperature. The mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was washed with saturated aqueous CuSO₄ solution, brine, and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure, and then residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of hexane-ethyl acetate (6:1 to 3:1) as the eluent to give the product (19) 133 mg as light yellow oil, Yield: 34%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.05 (s, 1H), 7.75 (d, 2H, J=8.4 Hz), 7.30 (d, 2H, J=8.0 Hz), 7.07 (s, 1H), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.29 (m, 1H), 4.06 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 4.01 (dd, 1H, J=10.4, 2.4 Hz), 3.87 (m, 2H), 2.44 (s, 3H), 2.40 (s, 3H), 2.36 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 2.28 (m, 2H), 1.80 (m, 2H), 1.61 (m, 2H), 1.37 (s, 9H).

And (18) 126 mg as light yellow oil, Yield: 24%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.09 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 4.49 (m, 1H), 4.30 (m, 1H), 4.02 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.88 (m, 2H), 3.57 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 2.45 (s, 3H), 2.44 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 2.31 (m, 2H), 1.92 (m, 2H), 1.74 (m, 2H), 1.38 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(6-fluorohex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate (20). A mixture of 18 (67 mg, 0.13 mmol), Kryptofix 2.2.2 (62 mg, 0.16 mmol), and KF (10 mg, 0.17 mmol) in dry THF (3 mL) was heated to reflux overnight under a nitrogen atmosphere. The cooled reaction mixture was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of hexane-ethyl acetate (4:1) as the eluent to give the product 40 mg as light yellow oil. Yield: 85%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.11 (s, 1H), 7.10 (s, 1H), 4.56 (t, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 4.51 (m, 1H), 4.44 (t, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 4.31 (m, 1H), 4.05 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.90 (m, 2H), 2.48 (m, 5H), 2.33 (m, 2H), 1.90 (m, 1H), 1.83 (m, 1H), 1.74 (m, 2H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

(S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(6-chlorohex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridine (21) (YL-1-235). Yield: 53% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.09 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 7.06 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 4.40 (m, 1H), 4.27 (m, 2H), 4.05 (d, 2H, J=4.8 Hz), 3.77 (br s, 1H), 3.58 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 2.44 (m, 6H), 2.34 (m, 1H), 1.93 (m, 2H), 1.75 (m, 2H). HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₁ClN₂O (M+H)⁺ 293.1421, found 293.1430.

(S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(6-fluorohex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridine (22) (YL-1-231). Yield: 56% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.09 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.05 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 4.54 (t, 1H, J=5.6 Hz), 4.43 (t, 1H, J=6.0 Hz), 4.29 (m, 1H), 3.98 (m, 2H), 3.70 (m, 1H), 3.51 (m, 1H), 2.91 (br s, 1H), 2.46 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 2.43 (m, 4H), 2.26 (m, 1H), 1.88 (m, 1H), 1.82 (m, 1H), 1.73 (m, 2H), ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz): δ152.3, 148.2, 143.2, 119.8, 118.6, 91.8, 83.5 (d, J=164.2 Hz), 78.0, 72.2. 57.2, 44.2, 29.5 (d, J=19.7 Hz), 24.4 (d, J=4.9 Hz), 23.8, 19.3, 19.0. HPLC purity: HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₁FN₂O (M+H)⁺ 277.1716, found 277.1714.

(S)-6-(5-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-6-methylpyridin-3-yl)hex-5-yn-1-ol (23) (YL-1-217). Yield: 64% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDC₃, 400 MHz): δ8.02 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 7.02 (d, 1H, J=1.6 Hz), 4.22 (m, 1H), 3.92 (m, 2H), 3.62 (m, 3H), 3.43 (m, 1H), 3.04 (br s, 2H), 2.38 (m, 6H), 2.21 (m, 1H), 1.64 (m, 4H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100 MHz); δ152.2, 147.9, 142.8, 119.8, 118.8, 92.4, 77.6, 72.0, 61.6, 57.0, 44.0, 31.8, 24.9, 23.7, 19.1, 19.0. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₂₂N₂O₂ (M+H)⁺ 275.1760, found 275.1761.

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(cyclopropylethynyl)-2-methylpyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate (24). Yield: 97% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.09 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 7.08 (d, 1H, J=1.2 Hz), 4.51 (m, 1H), 4.29 (m, 1H), 4.03 (dd, 1H, J=10, 2.8 Hz), 3.89 (m, 2H), 2.46 (s, 3H), 2.32 (m, 2H), 1.42 (m, 1H), 1.40 (s, 9H), 0.87 (m, 2H), 0.80 (m, 2H).

(S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(cyclopropylethynyl)-2-methylpyridine (25) (YL-1-199). Yield: 82% (light yellow oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.02 (s, 1H), 6.99 (s, 1H), 4.25 (m, 1H), 3.92 (m, 2H), 3.66 (m, 1H), 3.46 (m, 1H), 3.06 (br s, 1H), 2.37 (s, 3H), 2.36 (m, 1H), 2.21 (m, 1H), 1.38 (m, 1H), 0.80 (m, 1H), 0.75 (m, 1H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 100MHz): δ152.2, 148.0, 143.2, 119.8, 118.7, 95.7, 72.7, 72.1, 57.1, 44.2, 23.8, 19.3, 8.6, 0.1. HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₅H₁₈N₂O (M+H)⁺ 243.1497, found 243.1509.

5-bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-ol (29). A solution of 5-bromo-3-methoxy-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine (28) (0.87 g, 3.4 mmol) in a mixture of acetic acid (6 mL) and 33% HBr in acetic acid (12 mL) was stirred at 110° C. in a sealed tube overnight. Then Potassium Sodium tartrate tetrahydrate (7.8 g) was added slowly under 0° C. The mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate after 10 minutes stirring, the organic phase was washed with brine, dried over Na₂SO₄. The extract was concentrated under reduced pressure. The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of Hexane-Ethyl acetate (1:2) as the eluent to give the product (29) 0.65 g as gray solid, Yield; 79%. ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz); δ8.18 (s, 1H), 7.58 (s, 1H). ¹⁹F NMR (CDCl₃, 376 MHz): −68.0.

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-bromo-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yloxy)methyl)azetidine-1-carboxylate (30). General Procedure for the Mitsunobu Reaction was used. Yield; 88% (brown oil). ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400 MHz): δ8.31 (s, 1H), 7.62 (s, 1H), 4.55 (m, 2H), 4.11 (m, 1H), 3.88 (m, 2H), 2.36 (m, 2H), 1.41 (s, 9H).

(S)-tert-butyl-2-((5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridin-3-yloxy)methyl) azetidine-1-carboxylate (31). A mixture of compound (30) (290 mg, 0.7 mmol), 1-Hexyne (0.3 mL, 2.8 mmol), Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ (25 mg, 0.036 mmol), CuI (13.5 mg, 0.071 mmol), PPh₃ (18.6 mg, 0.071 mmol) in Et₃N/DMSO (5 mL/0.5 mL) was heated to 50° C. under a nitrogen atmosphere overnight. The cooled reaction mixture was taken up in ethyl acetate, and the organic phase was washed with water, brine, and then dried over Na₂SO₄. The extract was concentrated under a reduced pressure, and the residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using a gradient of CH₂Cl₂-ethyl acetate (50:1 to 20:1) as the eluent to give the product 265 mg as yellow oil. Yield: 91%. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 400MHz): δ8.22 (s, 1H), 7.40 (s, 1H), 4.52 (m, 2H), 4.10 (m, 1H), 3.89 (m, 2H), 2.44 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 2.36 (m, 2H), 1.59 (m, 2H), 1.48 (m, 2H), 1.41 (s, 9H), 0.96 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz).

(S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-(trifluoromethyl)pyridine hydrochloride (32). Method D was used. Yield: 73% (white solid). ¹H NMR (CD₃OD, 400 MHz): δ8.25 (s, 1H), 7.74 (s, 1H), 4.81 (m, 1H), 4.46 (m, 2H), 4.02 (m, 2H), 2.72 (m, 1H), 2.60 (m, 1H), 2.51 (t, 2H, J=7.2 Hz), 1.63 (m, 2H), 1.52 (m, 2H), 0.98 (t, 3H, J=7.2 Hz). ¹³C NMR (CD₃OD, 100 MHz): δ153.8, 144.3, 135.5 (q, J=34 Hz), 127.4, 125.2, 123.1 (q, J=272 Hz), 98.3, 77.1, 69.9. 59.7, 44.7, 31.6, 23.0, 22.1, 19.8, 13.9. ¹⁹F NMR (CD₃OD, 376 MHz): −67.3, HRMS (ESI) m/z calcd for C₁₆H₁₉F₃N₂O (M+H)⁺ 313.1528, found 313.1525 . [α]_(D) ²⁵ =−3.9 (c=0.86, MeOH). Anal. Calcd for C₁₆H₁₉F₃N₂O·HCl: C, 55.10; H, 5.78; N, 8.03. Found: C, 55.49; H, 5.65; N, 7.87.

EXAMPLE 3

Cell Lines and Cell Culture. The cell lines expressing defined rat nAChR subtypes were established previously by stably transfecting HEK 293 cells with rat nAChR subunit genes. The cell line expressing human α4β2 nAChRs, YXα4β2H1, was established recently. These cell lines were maintained in minimum essential medium (MEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 units/mL penicillin G, 100 mg/mL streptomycin and selective antibiotics at 37° C. with 5% CO₂ in a humidified incubator. Fetal bovine serum was provided by Gemini Bio-Products (Woodland, Calif.). Tissue culture medium and antibiotics were obtained from Invitrogen Corporation (Carlsbad, Calif.), unless otherwise stated.

[³H]-Epibatidine Radioligand Binding Assay. Briefly, cultured cells at >80% confluence were removed from their flasks (80 cm²) with a disposable cell scraper and placed in 10 mL of 50 mM Tris·HCl buffer (pH 7.4, 4° C.). The cell suspension was centrifuged at 10,000×g for 5 min and the pellet was collected. The cell pellet was then homogenized in 10 mL buffer with a polytron homogenizer and centrifuged at 36,000 g for 10 min at 4° C. The membrane pellet was resuspended in fresh buffer, and aliquots of the membrane preparation were used for binding assays. The concentration of [³H]-epibatidine used was ˜500 pM for competition binding assays. Nonspecific binding was assessed in parallel incubations in the presence of 300 μM nicotine. Bound and free ligands were separated by vacuum filtration through Whatman GF/C filters treated with 0.5% polyethylenimine. The filter-retained radioactivity was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Specific binding was defined as the difference between total binding and nonspecific binding. Data from competition binding assays were analyzed using Prism 5 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, Calif.). The K_(d) values for [³H]-epibatidine used for calculating K_(i) values of nAChR subtypes were 0.02 nM for α2β2, 0.08 nM for α2β4, 0.03 nM for α3β2, 0.3 nM for α3β4, 0.04 nM for α4β2, 0.09 nM for α4β4, 1.8 nM for α7 and 0.05 for rat forebrain.

⁸⁶Rb⁺ Efflux Assay. Functional properties of compounds at nAChRs expressed in the transfected cells were measured using ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux assays as described previously. In brief, cells expressing human α4β2 or rat α3β4 nAChRs were plated into 24-well plates coated with poly-D-lysine. The plated cells were grown at 37° C. for 18 to 24 hour to reach 85-95% confluence. The cells were then incubated in growth medium (0.5 mL/well) containing ⁸⁶Rb⁺ (2 μCi/mL) for 4 hour at 37° C. The loading mixture was then aspirated, and the cells were washed four times with 1 mL buffer (15 mM HEPES, 140 mM NaCl, 2 mM KCl, 1 mM MgSO₄, 1.8 mM CaCl₂, 11 mM Glucose, pH 7.4). One mL of buffer with or without compounds to be tested was then added to each well. After incubation for 2 min, the assay buffer was collected for measurements of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ released from the cells. Cells were then lysed by adding 1 ml of 100 mM MaOH to each well, and the lysate was collected for determination of the amount of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ that was in the cells at the end of the efflux assay. Radioactivity of assay samples and lysates was measured by liquid scintillation counting. Total loading (cpm) was calculated as the sum of the assay sample and the lysate of each well. The amount of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux was expressed as a percentage of ⁸⁶Rb⁺ loaded. Stimulated ^(ξ)Rb⁺ efflux was defined as the difference between efflux in the presence and absence of nicotine. For obtaining EC₅₀ and E_(max) values, stimulation curves were constructed in which 8 different concentrations of a ligand were included in the assay. For obtaining an IC_(50(10′)) value, inhibition curves were constructed in which 8 different concentrations of a compound were applied to cells for 10 min before 100 μM nicotine was applied to measure stimulated efflux. EC₅₀, E_(max) and IC_(50(10′)) values were determined by nonlinear least-squares regression analyses (GraphPad, San Diego, Calif.).

General Procedures for Effect on Alcohol Intake in Rats. Adult male rats obtained from a colony of selectively-bred alcohol preferring rats (P rats) maintained at Indiana University School of Medicine. Rats were housed in cages that were fitted with two 100 mL Richter tubes for the recording of water and alcohol intake. Animals were kept under a constant room temperature of 22±1° C. and 12:12 light-dark cycle (7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. dark). Animals were fed 5001 Rodent Chow (Lab Diet, Brentwood, Mo., USA). All procedures were approved by the IACUC at Duke University Medical Center.

After a week of handling and habituation, rats were given free access to water in a graduated Richter tube for 1 day. Next, they were given free access only to a solution of 10% (v/v) alcohol for 3 consecutive days. Thereafter, rats were given free access to water and a solution of alcohol throughout the study. Water and alcohol intake were indexed by graduated Richter drinking tubes.

An acute study was conducted to determine a dose-response for compound (S)-15 (YL-1-127). After the establishment of a stable baseline for alcohol and water intake rats were injected subcutaneously with 0.33, 1 and 3 mg/kg of YL-1-127 or the same volume of the vehicle (1 mg/kg). Alcohol and water intake were measured at, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hr after the drug administration. The preference for alcohol solution, [(alcohol volume)/(alcohol+water volume)×100], was calculated for the same time points as alcohol and water intake. All animals (n=18) received all treatments following a crossover design with random assignment. The interval between injections was at least 3 days.

Solution of 10% (v/v) alcohol was prepared twice weekly from a solution of 200% ethanol mixed with tap water. Solutions of YL-1-127 was prepared weekly in 100 mM HCl solution and isotonic saline and was injected subcutaneously in a volume of 1 mL/kg.

The data were assessed by the analysis of variance with a between subjects factor of strain and a repeated measures factor of YL-1-127 dose. Significance was determined at p<0.05.

General Procedures for Emesis Studies in Ferrets. Studies were undertaken in male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) weighing 0.9-1.5 kg (Marshall Farms, NY). They were housed in controlled conditions of room temperature (22° C.) and light (12:12 h light-dark cycle) with free access to food and water. Prior to each experiment, food was withheld overnight, whereas water was provided ad libitum. Each ferret was tested with either varenicline (500 μg/kg; n=3) or YL-1-27 (30 mg/kg; n=3).

Emetic testing consisted of placing animals individually in a polycarbonate enclosure. Following a 30 min acclimation period, each animal randomly received a subcutaneus injection of varencline or compound (S)-15 (YL-1-127) in the subscapular region. A 60 min observation and video recording followed the drug administration. Following this period, animals that showed drug effects of either nausea and/or emesis were administered intraperitoneally a 1 mg/kg combination of granisetron and dexamethasone and returned to their home enclosure. All drugs were dissolved in sterile saline.

Video analysis of the incidence of emesis, stereotypical behaviors (such as licking, mouth-clawing, backward walking, gagging, and burying of the head in cage) and GI side effects (diarrhea) was done off-line. Stereotypical behaviors are thought to be reflective of a subjective sensation of nausea. The emetic index of a drug was calculated as the percentage of animals displaying emesis (one or more times in 60 min) divided by the total number of animals tested. An emetic episode was defined as the forceful oral expulsion of liquid or solid upper gastrointestinal contents that is temporally separated from another by at least 30 s.

The Nausea Index for the stereotypical behaviors was derived from the mean ±SEM number of nausea behaviors observed among all animals in a given treatment group. Significance was determined at p<0.05.

Abbreviations Used. YL-1-127, compound (S)-15, (S)-3-(azetidin-2-ylmethoxy)-5-(hex-1-ynyl)-2-methylpyridine; nAChR, neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors; CNS, central nervous system.; VTA, ventral tegmental area; NAc, nucleus accumbens; [³H], tritiated; P rats, alcohol-preferring rats; ADHD, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; EC₅₀, 50% agonism of the channel; E_(max), maximal response; IC₅₀, 50% antagonism, of the channel ; K_(i), binding affinity constant.

EXAMPLE 4

Pharmacological Properties. We measured the in vitro binding affinities of the ligands for defined receptor subtypes (α2β2, α2β4, α3β2, α3β4, α4β2, α4Γ4, α6β2, α6β4, and α7) expressed in stably transfected cell lines. [³H]Epibatidine ([³H]EB) binds to the agonist recognition site of all of the defined receptor subtypes with high affinities. Rat forebrain homogenates were included to allow comparison between the heterologous and native α4β2 and α7 nAChRs. See Table 1 for binding affinity values (K_(i)) of the ligands at the three major nAChR subtypes (α3β4, α4β2 and α7).

The functional properties of the ligands were determined by ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux assays in cells expressing α3β4 and α4β2 nAChR subtypes. The functional activity of each ligand was measured for its agonism, antagonism and desensitization ability. Agonist activity for each of the ligands was tested at eight different concentrations. The responses were compared to that stimulated by 100 μM (−)-nicotine, a near maximally effective concentration. The full concentration-effect curves generated potency (EC₅₀) and efficacy (E_(max)) of each ligand. The antagonist activity of each ligand was determined by applying the ligand to cells simultaneously with 100 μM (−)-nicotine. We tested each ligand for antagonist activity at eight concentrations. The potency (IC_(50(0′)) of each ligand as an antagonist was derived from the full concentration-effect curves. We determined the desensitization potency of each ligand by pre-treating cells with the test compound for 10 minutes before 100 μM (−)-nicotine was applied. The potency of a ligand to desensitize the receptor after a 10 minute exposure (IC_(50(10′))) was obtained with full concentration-effect curves using at least 8 concentrations of the ligand. Although ⁸⁶Rb⁺ efflux assays are the mainly used to determine functional properties, we also used whole cell current measurements to verify the key experiments. See Table 1 below for potency of the compounds to desensitize the two major receptor (IC_(50(10′))) subtypes, α3β4 and α4β2.

Preliminary studies of YL-1-127 in animal models indicate that these ligands may have a better adverse effect profile than those of other nicotinic ligands.

TABLE 3 In Vitro Pharmacological Properties of Nicotinic Ligands K_(i) (nM) IC_(50(10′)) (nm) Compound α3β4 α4β2 α7 α3β4 α4β2 Sazetidine-A 1,900 0.062 1,600 >10,000 7.5 YL-1-117 22,000 9,900 110,000 YL-1-169 94,000 73 81,000 YL-1-127 230.000 12 93,000 18 YL-1-171 200,000 740 120,000 YL-1-199 150,000 9.6 150,000 36,000 11 YL-1-217 250,000 4.3 170,000 50,000 42 YL-1-231 130,000 4.2 150,000 13,000 140 YL-1-235 86,000 4.7 67,200 11,000 270

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All of the U.S. patents and U.S. patent application publications cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference.

EQUIVALENTS

Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described herein. Such equivalents are intended to be encompassed by the following claims. 

1-52. (canceled)
 53. A method of modulating a nicotinic ACh receptor, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof an effective amount of a compound represented by the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, independently for each occurrence, R₁ is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl or haloalkyl; R₂ is H or halogen; R₃ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carboxy, carboxyalkyl, —CH₂—NH—C(O)—R₆, —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)—O-alkyl, or —NH—C(O)-alkyl; R₆ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or N(R₇)(R₈); R₇ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; R₈ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl; and A is selected from the group consisting of

wherein, m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 n is 1, 2 or 3, p and q are independently 1 or 2; R₁₁ is H, alkyl or alkenyl; R₁₂ is alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, —O—C(O)-alkyl, or —O-methanesulfonyl; wherein, if present, each substituent is independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, amino, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryl, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen, or hydroxy; and wherein the absolute stereochemistry at a stereogenic center may be R or S or a mixture thereof; and the stereochemistry of a double bond may be E or Z or a mixture thereof.
 54. The method of claim 53, wherein the mammal is a primate, equine, canine, or feline.
 55. The method of claim 53, wherein the mammal is a human.
 56. The method of claim 53, wherein the compound is administered orally. 57-64. (canceled)
 65. The method of claim 53, wherein the compound is administered subcutaneously.
 66. The method of claim 53, wherein the compound is administered buccally.
 67. The method of claim 53, wherein the compound is administered nasally.
 68. A method of treating Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, dyskinesias, Tourette's syndrome, schizophrenia, attention deficit disorder, anxiety, pain, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, chemical substance abuse, alcoholism, memory deficit, pseudodementia, Ganser's syndrome, migraine pain, bulimia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome or late luteal phase syndrome, tobacco abuse, post-traumatic syndrome, social phobia, chronic fatigue syndrome, premature ejaculation, erectile difficulty, anorexia nervosa, disorders of sleep, autism, mutism or trichotillomania, comprising administering to a mammal in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a compound represented by the formula:

or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, wherein, independently for each occurrence, R₁ is alkyl, hydroxyalkyl, alkoxyalkyl or haloalkyl; R₂ is H or halogen; R₃ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen, haloalkyl, hydroxy, cyano, nitro, amino, acyl, aryl, heteroaryl, aroyl, heteroaroyl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, aryloxy, heteroaryloxy, carboxy, carboxyalkyl, —CH₂—NH—C(O)—R₆, —CH₂—CH₂—C(O)—O-alkyl or —NH—C(O)-alkyl; R₆ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl, alkoxy, aryl, heteroaryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, or N(R₇)(R₈); R₇ is H or substituted or unsubstituted alkyl; R₈ is H, substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl; and A is selected from the group consisting of

wherein, m is 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 n is 1, 2 or 3, p and q are independently 1 or 2; R₁₁ is H, alkyl or alkenyl; R₁₂ is alkyl, alkoxy, alkoxyalkyl, cyano, halogen, hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, haloalkyl, —O—C(O)-alkyl, or —O-methanesulfonyl; wherein, if present, each substituent is independently alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, alkoxy, amino, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaralkyl, heteroaryl, cyano, nitro, haloalkyl, cycloalkyl, heterocyclyl, halogen, or hydroxy; and wherein the absolute stereochemistry at a stereogenic center may be R or S or a mixture thereof; and the stereochemistry of a double bond may be E or Z or a mixture thereof.
 69. The method of claim 68, wherein the mammal is a primate, equine, canine, or feline.
 70. The method of claim 68, wherein the mammal is a human.
 71. The method of claim 68, wherein the compound is administered orally.
 72. The method of claim 68, wherein the compound is administered intravenously. 73-79. (canceled)
 80. The method of claim 68, wherein the compound is administered subcutaneously.
 81. The method of claim 68, wherein the compound is administered buccally.
 82. The method of claim 68, wherein the compound is administered nasally. 83-86. (canceled) 